Women in Science

Women in Science graphic

Spotlight

Current Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) chairholders

Current Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) chairholders

The Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering Program (CWSE) was launched in 1996. Its goal is to increase the participation of women in science and engineering, and to provide role models for women active in, and considering, careers in these fields.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

 

Profiles

Date Profile Description
February 13, 2024

Former CAF member to act as bridge to Canadian innovation for the Ukraine

Marie-Pierre Raymond

Marie-Pierre Raymond

Defence Research and Development Canada

When given the chance to serve her country and make a difference in the world, time and time again, Marie-Pierre Raymond has enthusiastically said yes.

February 9, 2024

Standardization is key to help militaries work together towards green future

Inbal Marcovitch

Inbal Marcovitch

Defence Research and Development Canada

Defence scientist Inbal Marcovitch is working to ensure that standardization is part of the process as Canada and its allies work to rapidly adopt new green military technologies to respond to the climate crisis.

January 31, 2023

Meet Dr. Carmencita Lake, CFIA veterinarian

Dr. Carmencita Lake

Dr. Carmencita Lake

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Dr. Carmencita Lake, and I can't think of a time when I didn't want to be a veterinarian."

January 24, 2023

Meet Tracy Lawrence, CFIA virology technician

Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I'm Tracy Lawrence and my work at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) plays a role in the success of our country's multi-billion dollar grape and fruit tree-growing industries."

February 5, 2024

DRDC engineering group puts equipment to the test to simulate deep ocean conditions

Alexandra McLeod

Alexandra McLeod

Defence Research and Development Canada

Alexandra McLeod, a mechanical engineering technologist and leader of the maritime information systems and technology (MIST) group at the DRDC Atlantic Research Centre, explains how they use a high-pressure tank to ensure underwater equipment can withstand the pressure of the ocean depths.

November 15, 2023

A student’s perspective: entomology at the CFIA

Kiersten DeViller

Kiersten DeViller

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"This past summer, I had the chance to work as a student with Dr. Erin Campbell in CFIA’s Entomology Research Lab, part of the Ottawa Plant Laboratory. My summer was filled with new experiences and so many beetles, so here’s a little snapshot of what it looked like."

January 20, 2023

Jagriti Luitel: creating a path to space

Jagriti Luitel

Jagriti Luitel

Canadian Space Agency

Jagriti Luitel, Canadian Space Agency intern, explains where her passion for space came from and how this interest influenced her life choices.

February 22, 2023

Yujie Zhang, PhD

Yujie Zhang, PhD

Yujie Zhang, PhD

National Research Council

"Being part of an organization that sees the value in research freedom is a privilege. Not only are the projects interesting but the people I work with make the research even better."

November 9, 2023

Zahra Shayegan, PhD

Zahra Shayegan, PhD

Zahra Shayegan, PhD

National Research Council

"When I started studying chemical engineering, I had no idea that I would have the opportunity to apply all of my expertise in materials engineering and then environmental engineering in this way."

September 29, 2023

Erienne O’Grady, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre

Erienne O’Grady

Erienne O’Grady

National Research Council

“The variety of the tasks I got to do and the inclusive environment meant that my placement was unique and exciting,” Erienne says. “The experience is unmatched and it’s an incredible glimpse into what is occurring in Canadian research.”

February 10, 2023

Women in Science: meet Diane Allan, Vice-President of Science at the CFIA

Diane Allan

Diane Allan

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I really enjoy understanding the science, doing the science and translating the science. That's what brought me to the role that I'm in now as the Vice-President of Science. So although I don't work in a lab everyday, I understand what they do in the lab."

October 31, 2023

Samantha McCaig – Nutrition Specialist

Samantha McCaig

Samantha McCaig

Canadian Space Agency

"I provide nutrition support for upcoming CSA astronaut missions, including International Space Station and Artemis missions. This involves procuring Canadian food for spaceflight and ensuring that it meets rigorous technical criteria."

August 29, 2023

Caroline-Emmanuelle Morisset – Program Scientist (Planetary Science)

Caroline-Emmanuelle Morisset

Caroline-Emmanuelle Morisset

Canadian Space Agency

"I'm a geologist specialized in geochemistry. For a long time, I have studied the composition of rocks in order to evaluate their origins. I've worked on Earth rocks and lunar rocks, and soon I'll have the chance to help preserve rocks from asteroid Bennu."

December 4, 2023

In the Loop: International science spotlight shines on Dr. Ellen Kenchington

Ellen Kenchington

Dr. Ellen Kenchington

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

An international authority in benthic ecology and genomics, Dr. Kenchington has devoted her career to studying and listening to organisms that live on or in the seafloor to help understand how they interact within the ocean ecosystem.

April 24, 2023

Meet Dr. Caitlyn Best, CFIA veterinary program officer

Caitlyn Best

Dr. Caitlyn Best

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Caitlyn Best and I have a passion for veterinary medicine, spending time outdoors, and puzzles. I like a fast-paced work environment where I can make a meaningful difference on a larger scale. This is where my work as an epidemiologist, or animal disease detective, comes in."

February 17, 2021

Defying the Odds, Making an Impact - Dr. Neda Nasheri

Neda Nasheri

Dr. Neda Nasheri

Health Canada

Dr. Nasheri believes that she has the best job in the world. It’s exciting, interesting and she gets to learn something new everyday. The best part of her job, she says, is that she gets to make positive contributions to the world she lives in.

February 10, 2021

Making sense of the numbers: Air Health Trend Indicator

Hwashin H. Shin

Dr. Hwashin H. Shin

Health Canada

Daily exposure to air pollution can affect our health, potentially leading to chronic lung disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. Health Canada Research Scientist Dr. Hwashin H. Shin uses her expertise in mathematics and statistics to better understand the link between air quality and the health of Canadians.

March 8, 2021

Big questions about tiny particles

Sabina Halappanavar

Sabina Halappanavar

Health Canada

Dr. Sabina Halappanavar is a Health Canada Research Scientist who investigates possible human health impacts of exposure to engineered nanomaterials, with a special focus on the respiratory system. Her work has also been instrumental in developing more effective tools that help reduce the use of animals in laboratory experiments.

March 1, 2021

Motivation, Aspiration, Inspiration of an Inquisitive Mind

Dr. Violina Lozeva-Thomas

Dr. Violina Lozeva-Thomas

Health Canada

Dr. Lozeva-Thomas comes from a family of smart, strong, independent, well-educated women. They helped shape her life (and her inquisitive mind) from an early age. She always knew that she wanted to enter the medical profession in order to help people overcome their illnesses. What she didn’t know was how far that dream would take her — and that the different paths she would follow would lead her to where she is right here, right now.

February 24, 2021

Translating knowledge into action: Understanding the health effects of industrial air pollution

Dr. Ling Liu

Dr. Ling Liu

Health Canada

Dr. Liu and her team collaborate with researchers in the provinces and various universities to develop and share knowledge related to air pollution and population health. Her research helps set priorities to assess, manage, and communicate air pollution and health risks, and to measure the effectiveness of policies related to air quality.

February 17, 2022

Listen carefully: How research on hearing can change our habits

Katya Feder

Dr. Katya Feder

Health Canada

Dr. Katya Feder, a Research Scientist at Health Canada, has been looking into how to safely use personal listening devices (such as cell phones or other audio devices using headphones or earbuds) in order to avoid hearing loss.

February 24, 2022

Mixing it up: Examining new substances in Canada

Deborah Ratzlaff

Deborah Ratzlaff

Health Canada

We are exposed to numerous chemical substances as we go about daily routines. How do we know they are safe? Well, Deborah Ratzlaff and her colleagues in Health Canada’s New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau make sure they are! Her team of biologists and chemists is hard at work helping to ensure that the newest substances appearing on the market in Canada are safe for you and the environment.

March 7, 2022

Lost in space: Checking up on the health of astronauts

Dr. Lindsay Beaton

Dr. Lindsay Beaton

Health Canada

Since 2007, Health Canada researchers have examined the blood of astronauts before and after their space missions to understand the impact of radiation on their bodies. Dr. Lindsay Beaton is part of the team responsible for this interesting work.

March 3, 2022

From Chemical Reactions to Career Satisfaction with Janice Wong

Janice Wong

Janice Wong

Health Canada

Janice Wong’s interest in science started with a simple chemical reaction to create a household staple: aspirin. During her first year at Simon Fraser University, at an introductory chemistry course, her professor led the class through the process of mixing compounds to form acetylsalicylic acid. It was then that a spark ignited.

March 9, 2023

60 seconds with Magaly Obas Compton, Policy Lead, Quantum and Emerging Science and Technology

Magaly Obas Compton

Magaly Obas Compton

National Defence

Meet Magaly Obas Compton, the quantum and emerging science and technology policy lead at Defence Research and Development Canada, as she talks about her fascinating work supporting this important area of research.

February 16, 2023

Outstanding in their field: meet Ashley Balchin and Renée Cloutier, CFIA plant breeders' rights examiners

Ashley Balchin and Renée Cloutier

Ashley Balchin and Renée Cloutier

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

International travel is also part of the job. Ashley and Renée use Canada's strong framework to bolster plant breeders' rights and plant science globally.

February 7, 2023

International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Defence scientist working on collaborative green energy research projects

Gisele Amow

Dr. Gisele Amow

Defence Research and Development Canada

"Science and technology is key to helping DND/CAF to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency of operations and integrate clean energy solutions into existing platforms while ensuring operational capability is maintained."

December 6, 2022

Meet Geneviève Lebrun, CFIA food processing specialist inspector

Geneviève Lebrun

Geneviève Lebrun

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Geneviève Lebrun. In addition to being a mother to three beautiful boys, I am enthusiastic about working out and running and I work as a food inspector with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)."

November 15, 2022

I am proud to be a CFIA veterinarian – here's why

Mary Jane Ireland

Mary Jane Ireland

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"It's no secret that veterinarians love animals. I came into the profession drawn by a passion for horses and reading (and re-reading) books written by James Herriot."

October 27, 2022

Defence Team celebrates scientist accelerating command and control during Women’s History Month

Dr. Hengameh Irandoust

Dr. Hengameh Irandoust

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

April 26, 2022

Josette El Haddad – From research to solutions

Josette El Haddad

Josette El Haddad

National Research Council Canada

One of Josette El Haddad's goals at the NRC is to find solutions to defeat climate change. She and her team at the Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre are working tirelessly to exceed expectations and develop specialized sensors for effective data collection on storing carbon dioxide in geologic matrices, identified as an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

February 11, 2021

Narges Shaabani

Narges Shaabani

Narges Shaabani

National Research Council Canada

It's no secret that the strength of the NRC lies in its diversity. From sensor fabrication research as a master's student at the Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry at the University of Tehran in Iran, Narges Shaabani is now a Research Associate at the NRC's Nanotechnology Research Centre in Edmonton.

June 14, 2022

Meet Lucy Li, Senior Research Officer at the Aerospace Research Centre

Lucy Li

Lucy Li

National Research Council Canada

Lucy Li likes to say that "Each one of us can make an impact. Together we make a change." When it comes to Lucy, Senior Research Officer at the Aerospace Research Centre's Structures and Materials Performance Lab, that impact can be substantial. From her passion for green technologies to spearheading an NRC-wide mentorship program for women in STEM, Lucy has made every day of her last 20 years at the NRC worthwhile.

September 26, 2022

Meet Shae Wasyliw, CFIA meat hygiene inspector

Shae Wasyliw

Shae Wasyliw

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I've always wanted to work with animals. A childhood filled with fishing, hunting and helping on a family friend's farm in the gorgeous foothills of Southern Alberta had a lot to do with that."

June 10, 2022

Meet Dr. Naheda Sahtout, CFIA science analyst

Dr. Naheda Sahtout

Dr. Naheda Sahtout

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"As a Palestinian born in Kuwait and raised in Malaysia, my parents sacrificed a lot to remove my brother and me from war-torn Kuwait in 1990. More than anything, they wanted to secure a safe childhood and good education for us."

June 10, 2022

Meet Noelle Smith, CFIA programmer

Noelle Smith

Noelle Smith

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Noelle Smith. Computers and programming have always come easily to me. In grade 7, I helped set up the school's computer lab. From that point, I was the go-to "tech person" for teachers and students alike."

June 10, 2022

Meet Wei Ke, CFIA application analyst

Wei Ke

Wei Ke

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"The year was 1999. On a warm August night, I stepped foot on Canadian soil for the first time at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. I didn't know what to expect, but wanted to try my best to see where and how far I could go from here."

April 4, 2022

Meet Jasmine Mander, CFIA science specialist

Jasmine Mander

Jasmine Mander

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Jasmine Mander. Born and raised in Ottawa, I was privileged from a very young age with easy access to the natural world. Location is everything. In a valley surrounded by rivers, the Gatineau Hills and bountiful urban parks and trails, and with access to the Rideau Canal, of course, I was able to discover the beauty around me while fostering my passion for science."

February 7, 2022

The confidence to act on our dreams

Hayet Laggoune

Hayet Laggoune

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Hayet Laggoune is a scientist who works as an Analyst in Ottawa. Hayet’s curiosity to understand the world around her and explore its wonders led her to a career in the sciences. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in applied sciences in renewable energies from the Université de Constantine in Algeria and a doctorate in engineering in image processing from the Université de Bourgogne in France.

February 7, 2022

Science: an array of opportunities

Geneviève Bélanger

Geneviève Bélanger

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Geneviève Bélanger is a scientist who works as an Acting Associate Director in Quebec. As a young adult, she contemplated being an astrophysicist. Although she continues to look up at the stars, her fascination with biological sciences took precedence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with specialization in wildlife management, and a master’s degree in wildlife and habitat management, both from the Université du Québec à Rimouski.

February 9, 2022

A unique path to a scientific career

Lucy Harrison

Lucy Harrison

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Lucy Harrison is a Project Manager in Vancouver. Find out how scuba diving with her father at 12 years old sparked her interest in marine biology and led her on a very unique career path. Her studies include a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Plymouth in Marine Biology and a Master’s Degree from Simon Fraser University in Tropical Marine Ecology.

March 7, 2022

Marie-Claude Gros-Louis - generosity in action

Marie-Claude Gros-Louis

Marie-Claude Gros-Louis

Natural Resources Canada

A biologist by training, Marie-Claude Gros-Louis has worked at the LFC for over 20 years. In 2020, she successfully began a career shift that few public servants make. She stepped from the world of science into the world of partnerships by becoming a liaison for national Indigenous forestry programs.

February 9, 2022

Life sciences – a lifetime interest

Johannie Martin

Johannie Martin

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Johannie Martin knew from a young age that biological sciences were an “obvious choice” for her. Find out how her love of saving snails led her on a path to working as a Project Manager in Quebec. She attended Université Laval in Québec City, where she acquired a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a master’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in oceanography.

February 9, 2022

Problem-solving and learning by science-based experience

Lynette Esak

Lynette Esak

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Lynette Esak is a Project Manager in Edmonton. Lynette’s drive to solve puzzles made her a natural fit for a career in the sciences. Her studies include a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with focus on plants, soils and economics, and a Master of Science in Soil Science, both from the University of Alberta.

February 7, 2022

Social science and impact assessment

Marion Doull

Marion Doull

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Marion Doull is a Senior Policy Analyst in Ottawa. She provides subject matter expertise on health and gender-based analysis plus. Her studies include a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s of Health Sciences in Health Promotion from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Population Health from the University of Ottawa.

March 8, 2021

Meet Olga Pena, scientist and advocate

Olga Pena

Olga Pena

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"Despite my family's financial challenges, my parents prioritized my education over many other commodities and their efforts meant that I was able to attend university. My dad used to say that, unlike them (mom and dad), who only got elementary education, supporting us in obtaining a university degree was the best and only inheritance they could give us."

October 21, 2021

Meet Rositsa Dimitrova, CFIA plant health risk assessor

Rositsa Dimitrova

Rositsa Dimitrova

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"When the time for university came, I was torn between medical school and a biology degree. My parents were excited about the idea of their daughter becoming a doctor, but I hesitated. I knew that medicine would be very hard for me emotionally, and that's when I decided I wanted to become a biologist."

August 27, 2021

P.L.A.N.T. your career: Advice from a leader with her heart in research, finding a way to give back

Dr. Joyce Boye

Dr. Joyce Boye

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

"It’s about the quest for knowledge, to know how things came to be and using this knowledge to create new things. It’s mind-blowing what’s possible with science, engineering and technology."

October 28, 2021

Stick with it and get involved: Advice from a coach with strong foundations in Engineering

Serena Ward

Serena Ward

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"What drew me to my current role are the opportunities to do a bit of travel, visiting construction sites during planning and execution phases. I like the hands on practical aspect, it gets me out of the office. It is so satisfying to see the outcome of all the long hours of planning - I love seeing the projects on paper get built."

October 28, 2021

Keep Your Options Open: Advice from an Engineer Bringing Water to Farmers

Sonja Fransen

Sonja Fransen

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"What some might find surprising about engineering is that there is a mix of office work and field work; which I really enjoy. My first job as a student involved going outdoors to collect data. Even now, I’m out setting up a new edge of field study. When I have students working for me, I make sure to take them into the field so they can understand where all the data comes from for our projects."

October 28, 2021

Just go for it! Advice from an Engineer bringing clean water to your cup and to the environment

Erin Zoski

Erin Zoski

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"In my classes there weren’t a lot of women, and at the time it would have been nice to have someone to look up to and guide me. Now that there are more women in this field, I see more potential role models. In addition to mentorship, we should provide opportunities for training, professional development and outreach; the Diversity Network at AAFC is perfect for this!"

January 25, 2019

Pursue your Passions: Advice from a Technician with her Feet on the Ground!

Jake Freeman

Jake Freeman

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I have a Chemical and Biosciences Diploma from college and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba. While I studied to be a lab technician, I found that I needed to be more connected to the outdoors. When I started as a soil and water conservation technician with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), my attention to detail, note keeping, and lab protocols came in handy. Not being afraid of getting dirty was also an asset."

January 22, 2019

The Importance of a Good Skill Set: Advice from a Farm Manager

Jan. Holmes

Jan. Holmes

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I think my strong suits are organization, planning, and problem-solving. Those things are important in this kind of job because it’s like a moving puzzle. You have to be flexible because equipment can break down, someone can call in sick, or it starts to rain. I probably have three plans in my head at any one time."

January 22, 2019

Follow your aspirations and passions: Advice from a strategy coordinator working in integrated pest management

Dr. Cezarina Kora

Dr. Cezarina Kora

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"It inspires me to see that more and more women are involved in science in the past decade and so many of them have joined the public service workforce. I feel fortunate to have studied and worked in environments that support women and I know firsthand the value of being understood and supported; currently I work in a group where 70 percent is made up by women."

November 16, 2018

Reaching for the Stars: Advice from a Scientist in Satellite Research

Dr. Heather McNairn

Dr. Heather McNairn

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Role models and mentorship are very important. It takes just one person to make a difference—one person in your life who you look up to and who inspires you. I currently mentor two young women who I meet with once a month to talk about their careers and other things in their life."

Related video: The Two Million Foot View: Satellites in Agriculture with Dr. Heather McNairn

January 25, 2019

Use Your Creativity to Make Great Choices: Advice from an Associate Director

Josée Owen

Josée Owen

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Now that I am the Associate Director of an Agricultural Research and Development Centre, I think people would be surprised that I don’t make decisions all day long. It’s really more about finding ways to enable people to use their own creativity, expertise, and character to make great decisions about how they will move their science forward, and how they will in turn enable their own people to make great decisions."

January 25, 2019

Don’t be scared to ask questions: Advice from a scientist who tried something new

Dr. Anne Smith

Dr. Anne Smith

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Don’t be scared to try something and to ask questions. If some aspect of science tweaks your interest, search out who to talk to, ask to visit them, or better yet spend a day job-shadowing. Find some aspect of science that interests you and that you enjoy. "

May 4, 2018

Karen Colbourne BN, RN, CCHN(C)

Karen Colbourne

Karen Colbourne

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

During regional communicable disease outbreaks such as Syphilis, Tuberculosis and H1N1 Karen has worked on local multi-disciplinary teams to develop and initiate interventions and contribute to outbreak response efforts. She also collaborated closely with Indigenous youth, elders, and educators throughout the Northwest Territories to develop sexual health programs and initiatives. “Seeing first-hand the positive impact of my work has been a real highlight of my career,” she told us.

May 4, 2018

Rolande D’Amour, RN, BScN, MN

Rolande D’Amour

Rolande D’Amour

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Rolande is currently a senior nurse consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada's Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Surveillance System, in Ottawa, Ontario. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the most common form of human prion disease. Prion diseases are rare, fatal, degenerative brain disorders that are thought to occur worldwide in both humans and animals. The term CJD is often used to refer to all forms of human prion disease. In 1998, Health Canada launched a national CJD surveillance system to monitor for the disease in Canada. Rolande and her nurse colleagues manage about 100 CJD cases a year.

May 4, 2018

Kathy Dunn, RN, BScN, MN

Kathy Dunn

Kathy Dunn

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Kathy is engaged and inspired by her leadership role in the area of professional guidelines and public health practice at the federal level. However, she fondly remembers the personal interactions and intimate moments spent caring for patients and families in her early years as a nurse. It is these experiences that continue to guide her, providing the foundation for a rewarding career and her current work with PHAC.

May 4, 2018

Lynn M. Menard RN, BScN, MA

Lynn Menard

Lynn Menard

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Lynn Menard works with the maternal and child health team at the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. She is currently working alongside numerous external maternal and newborn health experts to revise the Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care (FCMNC) National Guidelines.

May 4, 2018

Samantha Wilson-Clark, RN, BScN, MSc

Samantha Wilson-Clark

Samantha Wilson-Clark

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Samantha Wilson-Clark sees her nursing education and training as invaluable to her public health career. “Being a nurse makes me a better public health professional,” she said. “Nursing taught me how to think critically, how to work under pressure and how to be flexible and adaptable. It provided me with the theoretical foundation to think big while not forgetting the person sitting in front of me.” Samantha especially enjoys connecting with people on the job and knowing that her work has a positive impact on Canadians.

February 8, 2018

Dr. Candice Didychuk, Medical Biophysicist/Chemist, Research Scientist Radiobiology and Health

Dr. Candice Didychuk

Dr. Candice Didychuk

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"I work in the area of internal dosimetry research. I am looking at the solubility of biokinetics of different contamination hazards that our workers could be exposed to. Second, is preclinical studies towards some of the targeted alpha therapy research that is being performed at CNL, where I am basically evaluating those entities in the body and determining the dosimetry and the efficiency at targeting tumor sites and treatment of the disease."

February 8, 2018

Dr. Marilyne Stuart, Senior Research Scientist, Environmental Sciences

Dr. Marilyne Stuart

Dr. Marilyne Stuart

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

" I am currently trying to understand how plants and animals respond to different things like radiation, chemicals or environmental changes. Part of my work is also to look at biomarkers, and try to find new ways to evaluate health. A biomarker is, basically, a test or a measurable change that can give us information about health. "

February 8, 2018

Larkin Mosscrop-Kee, Biologist and Project Leader, Science & Technology Operations

Larkin Mosscrop-Kee

Larkin Mosscrop-Kee

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"One of the coolest things I've been working on is actually the conversion of trains to hydrogen fuel cells. This is incredible, because you don't have overhead electrification and you can use hydrogen as a way to store energy and then create fuel for the trains."

February 8, 2018

Dr. Bronwyn Hyland, Physicist and Program Manager, Small Modular Reactors

Dr. Bronwyn Hyland

Dr. Bronwyn Hyland

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"I'm working on our small modular reactor technologies program. Our goal of that is to demonstrate the commercial viability of a small modular reactor within the next 10 years. That will include hosting a new demonstration nuclear reactor at a CNL site."

February 8, 2018

Christina Van Drunen, Professional Engineer (Mechanical), Director of S&T Strategy and Collaboration

Christina Van Drunen

Christina Van Drunen

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

What would you say to aspiring young women considering a career in STEM fields? I would say absolutely go for it. The beauty of science and math is that you can be very directly involved in tangibly solving challenges that the world has today and that we're going to need addressed so that we can have a great future.

December 21, 2016

Mary-Lynn Dickson - Director, UNCLOS Program

Mary-Lynn Dickson

Mary-Lynn Dickson

Natural Resources Canada

"I think the best part of my job for me is the opportunity to go to sea. To work with my technicians, geologists, scientists, to collect data in the arctic ocean. My background is as a sea going oceanographer and to be able to go and work with a team after months and months of planning these cruises is a thrill."

December 21, 2016

Walta-Anne Rainey - Marine Geoscience Technologist

Walta-Anne Rainey

Walta-Anne Rainey

Natural Resources Canada

"You know that the arctic is a vast vast area. And you know it’s cold and you know it’s isolated. Logically you know all these things before you go up. But once you get there and you’re standing on a ship, and you’re breaking ice and you’re looking out over the horizon you don't really grasp the magnitude of where you are and how big an area this is, until you’re sort of standing there."

December 21, 2016

Ruth Jackson - Research Scientist Emeritus

Ruth Jackson

Ruth Jackson

Natural Resources Canada

"In the beginning of the UNCLOS project, I was the chief scientist in the Arctic on the ice camp work and on the ship going programs. For UNCLOS, what we were trying to do to get the maximum claim possible you have to look at bathymetric highs that are attached to your margin and they are both attached, the ones that are significant for us, the Lomonosov Ridge and the Alpha Ridge are both attached north of Ellesmere Island. This is the area we had to begin our work."

December 12, 2016

Lisa Loseto

Lisa Loseto

Lisa Loseto

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

A research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada speaks about the importance of community based monitoring and involvement, as well as her work with beluga whales to determine ecosystem health in Northern communities.

June 15, 2019

Dr. Mireille Marcotte, National Manager, Plant Health Surveillance

Dr. Mireille Marcotte

Dr. Mireille Marcotte

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"To date, scientists have catalogued about 1.5 million species of organisms on the planet, with insects making up about two-thirds of this bounty. This whole world of often very small creatures is simply fascinating to me."

June 11, 2019

Émilie Larocque, Virologist, Saint-Hyacinthe Laboratory

Émilie Larocque

Émilie Larocque

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I'd have to say that I love the entire scientific method, starting from asking a big or small question to reviewing everything that's out there on the subject, formulating my own hypothesis and then coming up with an experimental design to test that hypothesis. And obviously follow up and do the experiments and analyze the data to finally give an explanation."

June 13, 2019

Anna-Mary Schmidt, Head Grapevine Diagnostics, Sidney Laboratory

Anna-Mary Schmidt

Anna-Mary Schmidt

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"When I was younger I wanted to be a detective, which is amusing in light of eventually studying science, as both require investigating the unknown and piecing together a puzzle."

June 13, 2019

Dr. Hana Weingartl, Head of Special Pathogens Unit, Winnipeg Laboratory

Dr. Hana Weingartl

Dr. Hana Weingartl

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"We work on the development of veterinary vaccines because these are what would stop the transmission of a virus from livestock to humans. It may not be visible, but we definitely maintain a state of readiness."

June 23, 2019

Dr. Ruojing Wang, Head of the National Seed Herbarium, Saskatoon Laboratory

Dr. Ruojing Wang

Dr. Ruojing Wang

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I did my PhD in plant ecology. I feel that plant ecology studies really broadened my knowledge and gave me a better understanding of plants, how they interact with each other and also interact with their surroundings. My studies have always centred on plants."

June 13, 2019

Dr. Susan Nadin-Davis, Research Scientist, Ottawa Laboratory

Dr. Susan Nadin-Davis

Dr. Susan Nadin-Davis

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"Don't be intimidated by science. I think everyone needs to avoid stereotypes and each one of us should be allowed to follow his or her dream and to do what we want to do."

September 6, 2022

A First Hand Look Into Being a Field Epidemiologist

Elaine Chan and Kate Fagan-Garcia

Elaine Chan and Kate Fagan-Garcia

Public Health Agency of Canada

Have you ever wondered about how infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 and monkeypox are investigated? It’s no easy task, but the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) field epidemiologists play a leading role in many outbreak investigations.

October 29, 2021

Meet the Outbreak Management Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada

Meet the Outbreak Management Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada

Outbreak Management Division

Public Health Agency of Canada

The Outbreak Management Division (OMD) at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) consists of a team of highly qualified individuals from different backgrounds that assess, detect and coordinate investigations of enteric illness outbreaks (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria) occurring in multiple provinces and territories in Canada, or at least one province or territory and another country.

February 11, 2020

Meet those leading the way in the field of air pollution science

Meet those leading the way in the field of air pollution sciencep>

Exposure Assessment Section

Health Canada

The Exposure Assessment Section of Health Canada is a multi-disciplinary research team in the field of air pollution science. Their work supports government decision-making, academic advancement, and scientific resolution of questions related to air pollution exposure in Canada. The team includes dedicated scientists with expertise in epidemiology, geography, (bio)statistics, environmental health and modeling, engineering, and toxicology.

June 10, 2019

Bree-Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges, Microbiology Scientists, Dartmouth Laboratory

Bree-Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges

Bree-Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Bree Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges work together at the Dartmouth Laboratory where they perform species identification testing of fish and fish products to confirm that companies are accurately labelling their products.

December 21, 2016

Romani Makkik, Shannon O'Hara, Betsy Palliser, and Carla Pamak

Romani Makkik, Shannon O'Hara, Betsy Palliser, and Carla Pamak

Romani Makkik, Shannon O'Hara, Betsy Palliser, and Carla Pamak

Northern Contaminants Program

The Inuit Research Advisors speak to their experiences with getting Northerners involved in the NCP and its research.

December 16, 2016

Hayley Hung and Sandy Steffen

Hayley Hung and Sandy Steffen

Hayley Hung and Sandy Steffen

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Two Environment Canada scientists reflect on their experience working on contaminants-related issues in the Arctic through the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP).

August 29, 2018

Meet Vicki Tschirhart

Dr. Vicki Tschirhart

Dr. Vicki Tschirhart

Natural Resources Canada

Dr. Vicki Tschirhart is a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada at Natural Resources Canada. Dr. Tschirhart has been working in the field of geophysics for over 3 years and received her PhD in Applied Geophysics from McMaster University in 2014.

August 17, 2018

Meet Catherine Clark

Catherine Clark

Catherine Clark

National Research Council Canada

Catherine Clark is a research officer working in the Aerodynamics Laboratory at National Research Council Canada. Ms. Clark conducts wind tunnel testing research, working on aircraft development programs and specializing in the testing of aircraft ice protection systems. She has a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Masters of Applied Science degree from Carleton University. Ms. Clark is a registered engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario and has her private pilot's license.

March 13, 2018

Meet Joanne Gamage McEvoy

Dr. Joanne Gamage McEvoy

Dr. Joanne Gamage McEvoy

Natural Resources Canada

Dr. Joanne Gamage McEvoy is a research scientist with CanmetMINING at Natural Resources Canada. Dr. Gamage McEvoy has been working in materials characterization since her obtaining her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2014 from the University of Ottawa, where she worked on the development of solar photocatalysts.

February 17, 2018

Meet Jennifer Pereira

Dr. Jennifer Pereira

Dr. Jennifer Pereira

National Research Council Canada

Dr. Jennifer Pereira is a research officer in the field of experimental aerodynamics at National Research Council Canada. Dr. Pereira has been working in this field for over five years and has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering as well as a PhD in Experimental Aerodynamics from McGill University. Her research work is focused on subsonic and transonic wind tunnel testing of aircraft and aeronautical products.

September 12, 2018

Mays Ahmad - Engineer, Project Management

Mays Ahmad

Mays Ahmad

Canadian Space Agency

"My role exposes me to the earliest phases of upcoming space projects. I have this amazing opportunity to be part of managing the development of space technology and interfacing with Canada's brightest minds, which is very humbling and exciting."

September 12, 2018

Evelyne Bousquet - Engineer, Canada-European Space Agency Cooperation Agreement

Evelyne Bousquet

Evelyne Bousquet

Canadian Space Agency

"Having a good sense of humour has helped me a lot in my career."

March 22, 2022

Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency

Lisa Campbell

Lisa Campbell

Canadian Space Agency

Before being appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency in September 2020, Lisa Campbell was Associate Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada, supporting the well-being of veterans and their families and promoting recognition of those who served Canada.

September 20, 2018

Roxanne Côté-Bigras - Operations Engineer, Canadian Space Station Program

Roxanne Côté-Bigras

Roxanne Côté-Bigras

Canadian Space Agency

"I worked on programming the robotic simulator we use to plan for missions and train astronauts. I'm always so proud to see a successful robotics mission."

September 12, 2018

Kristen Facciol - Operations Engineer, Mission Control Group

Kristen Facciol

Kristen Facciol

Canadian Space Agency

"Moving to Montreal and joining the Canadian Space Agency was one of my proudest moments, and a transition that has opened up several new doors for me. I am currently training at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) to operate as part of the Mission Control Team! Working at NASA and being able to represent Canada at JSC was an opportunity I never thought I would have. It still seems like a dream."

March 8, 2017

Christine Giguère - Manager, SAR Data

Christine Giguère

Christine Giguère

Canadian Space Agency

"It was my dream to work at the Agency, and I was there for an important, historic launch. And I ended up working there a short time after. That is one my best memories."

September 12, 2018

Geneviève Houde - Senior Systems Engineer

Geneviève Houde

Geneviève Houde

Canadian Space Agency

"I have the opportunity to work on many aspects of complex space systems, which allows me to appreciate the big picture: from the screw to the control software, from the initial idea to the final check, without forgetting design, manufacturing and the resolution of any technical issues that come up along the way."

July 22, 2021

Luminita Ilinca Ignat – Project Manager

Luminita Ilinca Ignat

Luminita Ilinca Ignat

Canadian Space Agency

"My first piece of advice would be to find a school or university program you find fascinating. It's important to be passionate about what you do. Use the early years of your career to learn as much as you can and take pride in doing things well. In Space Exploration where I work, there is so much opportunity for learning, working in great national and international teams, and participating in thrilling scientific discoveries. It is said that "the sky is the limit," but in space science, the sky is only the beginning."

September 12, 2018

Kumudu Jinadasa - Project Engineer and Mission Manager

Kumudu Jinadasa

Kumudu Jinadasa

Canadian Space Agency

"Don’t be afraid to take risks, accept guidance and ask for help when you need it. There are so many wonderful mentors in the world just waiting for you!"

September 17, 2018

Isabelle Marcil - Senior Scientist, Space Exploration

Isabelle Marcil

Isabelle Marcil

Canadian Space Agency

Be perseverant and flexible. There are many paths to a satisfying career, so be proactive and have a plan A, B, C… but be ready to seize whatever unforeseen opportunities life may bring, which may become your plan D or E. To quote Louis Pasteur: "Chance favours the prepared mind."

September 4, 2018

Annie Martin - Project Officer, Operational Space Medicine

Annie Martin

Annie Martin

Canadian Space Agency

"I have the opportunity to work on innovative and collaborative projects that aim to define operational concepts and medical technology for human exploration missions to the Moon and Mars."

September 12, 2018

Miriam Micael - Project Management Engineer

Miriam Micael

Miriam Micael

Canadian Space Agency

"Take chances and open yourself up to different opportunities. STEM is more than just math and science that you learn in school. We use these skills in all aspects of our lives, and this translates into various career opportunities. The options are endless!"

December 20, 2019

Marie Gisèle Munyaneza – Operations Engineer, On-Orbit Science

Marie Gisèle Munyaneza

Marie Gisèle Munyaneza

Canadian Space Agency

"I find it extraordinary to be able to work with professionals with a very high level of knowledge and performance, and to be able to collaborate on international projects. I admire the level of commitment and collaboration between the different countries on the International Space Station. Each country contributes in its own way to the advancement of science, technology and robotics for the well-being of humans."

September 11, 2019

Marie-Josée Potvin - Senior System Engineer

Marie-Josée Potvin

Marie-Josée Potvin

Canadian Space Agency

"First off, work hard to build your credibility; don't shy away from the highly technical end of things. Then claim your seat at the table. Be bold and make your mark. "

February 1, 2018

Jamie Sevigny - Engineer, Project Management

Jamie Sevigny

Jamie Sevigny

Canadian Space Agency

"When teaching astronauts to operate Canadarm2, I had to know my stuff inside and out. Being a younger woman in that environment sometimes made it hard to tell an astronaut, who's proven himself technically and all, to go back and try again or that I was going to show him how to improve on something. I knew that I had to know my stuff because if I was going to challenge one of those people, I'd better have a darn good reason and solid arguments."

January 10, 2020

Dr. Sidey-Gibbons, Astronaut

Jenni Sidey-Gibbons

Jenni Sidey-Gibbons

Canadian Space Agency

"I wanted to become an astronaut because it provides an incredible challenge. It aligns with my interests in the advancement and application of science for the benefit of society. It will also provide me with a platform from which I may inspire a diverse group of young people to pursue their interests in science and engineering subjects."

September 11, 2019

Fauve Strachan - Project Management Engineer

Fauve Strachan

Fauve Strachan

Canadian Space Agency

"Don't be afraid to see where your curiosity will take you. Sometimes you don't know what you're looking for until you've found it."

June 3, 2022

Taryn Tomlinson - Director, Sun-Earth System Sciences

Taryn Tomlinson

Taryn Tomlinson

Canadian Space Agency

Taryn Tomlinson is a mechanical engineer with a master's in radio and space science. She has worked in the RADARSAT program as a summer student, was the lead for Dextre's hardware testing, developed rovers, and now manages a team working on a project for the International Space Station.

September 11, 2019

Helena van Mierlo - Senior Engineer, Planning

Helena van Mierlo

Helena van Mierlo

Canadian Space Agency

"I led the team that made a successful business case for the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat). I'm very proud to have brought together Canadian industry, academia and other government departments to collaborate on this mission."

September 11, 2019

Magdalena Wierus - Intermediate Operations Engineer (Logistics and Sustaining Engineering)

Magdalena Wierus

Magdalena Wierus

Canadian Space Agency

"I am very proud of my work with the International Space Station group at the CSA. I was tasked with helping maintain Canadarm2 and Dextre. Taking part in real-time responses to on-orbit anomalies has helped keep the arm working and performing essential tasks."

March 24, 2021

Meet Dr. Claudia Goyer

Claudia Goyer

Claudia Goyer

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"At university, I discovered microbiology and was absolutely fascinated by the interactions between plants and plant disease. These have both evolved over time; it is a real warfare with the plant developing new strategies to defend itself and the disease evolving to find new ways to infect the plant."

March 25, 2021

Meet Dr. Sylvie Cloutier

Sylvie Cloutier

Sylvie Cloutier

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I am a naturally inquisitive person who challenges just about everything. Being a scientist satisfies my curiosity and allows me to have a broad scope of decision making: from ideas and execution, to results and impact. This is highly rewarding."

July 12, 2022

Meet Dr. Karen Beauchemin

Karen Beauchemin

Karen Beauchemin

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"My biggest breakthrough was developing a research program in the early 2000s to measure methane emissions from cattle with the goal of finding ways to curb those emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas and an energy loss for the animal. Because of our foresight back then, we have been able to contribute science-based information to the dialogue surrounding sustainable meat and milk production in Canada."

March 25, 2021

Meet Dr. Julie Brassard

Julie Brassard

Julie Brassard

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"The creative aspect of the researcher's work, since we have to observe things that we don't always understand, and researchers have to find a way to explain them by adapting or creating methods and experiments. There's a lot of creativity in a researcher's work, and imagination is really an important asset!"

March 25, 2021

Meet Dr. Helen Tai

Helen Tai

Helen Tai

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I've always had a fascination with living things and how they worked. I also come from a family of scientists—my father was a potato breeder at the Fredericton Research and Development Centre. So even though I didn't start out studying plants (my PhD was in mammalian genetics) I feel very lucky to be back where I grew up, studying potatoes. I guess it's true what they say about the apple not falling far from the tree!"

December 14, 2022

Meet Sharan Sandhu, CFIA food inspector

Sharan Sandhu

Sharan Sandhu

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"As an inspector, no two days are exactly alike. CFIA inspectors complete on-site and lab inspections to check the freshness and quality of produce. I'm assigned to different areas across Ontario where inspections are required. When I arrive at a company's facility, I collect and examine samples."

March 2, 2018

Allison Sibley, Technical Officer

Allison Sibley

Allison Sibley

National Research Council

"I just love figuring out why and how things behave the way they do! That’s not to say that there haven’t been times where I’ve struggled to stay motivated or thought about giving up on a problem or a project that seems to get more and more complicated the longer I work on it, but the moment when everything finally clicks is absolutely worth all of the pain of getting there!"

March 2, 2018

A Passion for Engineering in the Public Service

Marie-Eve Hodak and Simone Charron

Marie-Eve Hodak and Simone Charron

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Charron and Hodak are examples of the strides being made to cultivate the next generation of leaders in engineering, and they encourage engineering students to be themselves as they pursue their careers. Although Hodak was a student on the CHARS project only a short while ago, she is well on her way to her own full-circle moment as a mentor to other engineering students.

 

Features

Women of Impact in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Women of Impact in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Women and Gender Equality Canada

Learn more about the women who have made an impact in science, technology, engineering and math as researchers, doctors and scientists.

 A girl looking into the sky with a pair of binoculars

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February

United Nations

The purpose of the day is to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.

Choose Science

Choose Science

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

It's never too late to start your journey or to renew your interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).